October Forums Assist Social Security Beneficiaries in Identifying Work Opportunities

*Ticket-to-Work helps people with disabilities "Choose Fulfillment. Choose Earnings. Choose Work!"*
Augusta, Maine - Maine CareerCenters are hosting a series of community forums in October highlighting incentives to assist people receiving Social Security disability benefits in returning to work. The public is welcome to attend. Pre-registration is encouraged.

"October is National Disability Employment Awareness month. We want to assist every Maine citizen in gaining meaningful employment," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Research shows that people with disabilities are loyal employees and loyal customers. Hiring workers with disabilities just makes good business sense."

More information about the Ticket-to-Work program is available here http://www.mainecareercenter.com/docs/collecting_ssi_or_ssdi_back to work.pdf .

"People with disabilities can achieve their employment goals without fear of losing essential supports," explained Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette. "These workshops showcase the many services available to people with disabilities. The Department of Labor can help people identify training programs, find a good job and make new connections with their community and a wider network of support. We also assist businesses in hiring or keeping workers who have disabilities."

Participants will learn about the Ticket to Work initiative that provides many Social Security beneficiaries with more choices for receiving employment services. The program encourages eligible Mainers to work through the CareerCenter network to access employment and training services, vocational rehabilitation and other support services necessary to achieve an employment goal. Each CareerCenter in the state has staff available to assist people with disabilities.

To register or to learn more, people interested should contact their regional CareerCenter. The contact information for each CareerCenter's Ticket-to-Work liaison is listed along with the fall workshop date and time. Additional employment resources for individuals with disabilities are available at http://www.employmentforme.org . TTY users should call Maine Relay 711.

Augusta CareerCenter, October 10, 2013, 2 to 4 p.m. Contact: Tracy Hotham, 207-624-5120 or 1-800-760-1573, Tracy.H.Hotham@maine.gov

Bangor CareerCenter, October 30, 2013, 1 to 3 p.m. Contact: Mike Johnson, 207-561-4050 or 1-888-828-0568, Michael.J.Johnson@maine.gov

Brunswick CareerCenter, October 3, 2013, 10 a.m. to noon. Contact: Patrice Daigle, 207-373-4012, Patrice.A.Daigle@maine.gov

Lewiston CareerCenter, October 3, 2013, 2 to 4 p.m. Contact: Linda Roberts or Patti Gray, 207-753-9000 or 1-800-741-2991, Linda.J.Roberts@maine.gov or Patricia.L.Gray@maine.gov

Calais CareerCenter, October 1, 2013, 10 a.m. to noon. Contact: Donald Rice, 207-454-7551 or 1-800-543-0303, Donald.K.Rice@maine.gov 207-255-1934 or 1-800-292-8929

Presque Isle CareerCenter, October 23, 2013, 10 a.m. to noon. Contact: Peter Lento, 207-760-6300, Peter.Lento@maine.gov , 1-800-635-0357

Portland CareerCenter: October 16, 2013, 1 to 3 p.m. Contact: Senja St. John, 207-771-5627 or 1-877-594-5627, Senja.St.John@maine.gov

Rockland CareerCenter, October 10, 2013, 10 a.m. to noon. Contact: Kathy Hounsell, 207-596-2600 or 1-877-421-7916, kathleen.b.hounsell@maine.gov

Skowhegan CareerCenter, October 17, 2013, 2 to 4 p.m. Contact: Joanne Noyes, 207-474-4950 or 1-800-760-1572, Joanne.m.noyes@maine.gov

Wilton CareerCenter, October 17, 2013, 10 a.m. to noon. Contact: Cheryl Moran, 207-753-9030, Cheryl.A.Moran@maine.gov

York County CareerCenter, October 21, 2013, 2 to 4 p.m., Springvale. Contact: Damian Cortez, 207-324-5460 or 1-1800-343-0151, Damian.P.Cortez@maine.gov

Maine's statewide network of CareerCenters provide one-stop employment resources, including computers and Internet access, for job seekers and employers. Services for job seekers include job referrals, career counseling, job hunting workshops, labor market information, skills assessment and information on training. CareerCenters also offer specialized employment services for people with disabilities.

For more information, visit your local CareerCenter or call 1-888-457-888 (TTY users dial Maine Relay 711) or visit http://www.mainecareercenter.com .